Begonia (Tuberous)

Tuberous begonias are popular for their beautiful flowers which come in a variety of colors and forms. Red, orange, yellow, white, salmon and pink blooms may be single or double; they may be plain, ruffled or toothed; their petals may have margins, crests or blotches of contrasting color. Tuberous begonias bloom throughout the summer, thriving in shady spots where few other plants with long bloom periods and showy flowers can grow. They are often used as container plants on patios and porches, in hanging baskets, and as bedding plants.

Tuberous Begonias grow in partial shade but usually not so well in deep shade or full sun. Provide a well-drained soil. The plants need frequent watering and fertilization but an excess of either causes flower bud drop. The plants are quite brittle and staking helps them tolerate violent weather. The single female flowers are removed before seed forms to keep the plant blooming. The females are on either side of the double male flowers.

These tough little compact garden plants reach barely a foot high but provide almost continuous color during the warm months of the year. These plants are sensitive to extreme winters.

Type: Annual, PerennialExposure: Indirect SunlightConditions: FragileFlowering Time: Jan-MarFragrant: NoFoliage: RoundDrought Tolerance: Not knownSalt Tolerance: Grows in all kind of SoilLight: Partial Sunlight or Partial ShadeTemperature: 18-20 Degree Celcius aboveSensitive to: Over watering & Full SunlightWatering: Water every alternate day fully drenching the plant in summers. Check the plant by digging words the roots with fingers if soil is moist or dry. In winters water once in 5-7 days. In springs and summers add NPK in every 20-30 days. Repotting:Problems: Thrips cause irregular reddish brown lines on the upper sides of the leaves. Spots form on the undersides of the leaves, especially along the main veins. The leaves may be deformed. Black vine weevil grub eats the roots causing wilting and death. Mites stunt the new growth. Begonias w ill be attacked by powdery mildew, especially if growing in the shade. Leaf spots may be found on tuberous Begonia. Stem rot causes the stalks to rot and collapse. The rotted areas are usually black. Avoid crowding and remove any infected plants.